Preserved colonial port ruins, Civil War earthworks, archaeological remains, and waterfront landscapes that interpret centuries of military, commercial, and cultural history along the Cape Fear River.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and state holidays
Guided tours: Adults $2 + tax
Seniors, military, and youth: $1 + tax
How to Get There
From Wilmington (20 mi): Take US-17 south across the Cape Fear River, continue toward Winnabow, turn onto St Phillips Road SE, and follow signs to the historic site entrance at 8884 St Phillips Road SE.
Overview
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site preserves the layered history of one of North Carolina's most important colonial and Civil War locations. Established in 1726 on the banks of the Cape Fear River, Brunswick Town quickly grew into a thriving port and political center, serving as a hub for trade and government in the colonial era. The settlement was later abandoned during the American Revolution, leaving behind archaeological remains that provide valuable insight into eighteenth-century life. Visitors can explore foundations, excavated structures, and interpretive exhibits that reveal how merchants, sailors, enslaved people, and political leaders contributed to the development of the colony.
During the Civil War, the site gained renewed importance when Confederate forces constructed Fort Anderson to help defend Wilmington, one of the South's last major seaports. Remnants of earthworks, gun emplacements, and defensive positions remain visible throughout the landscape, illustrating the area's strategic significance during the final months of the conflict. Walking trails wind through maritime forests, archaeological sites, and preserved military features while offering scenic views of the Cape Fear River. The combination of colonial history, Civil War heritage, and natural beauty makes the site one of North Carolina's most distinctive and rewarding destinations for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/brunswick-townfort-andersonBrunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
